The San Diego Padres activated Michael King from the injury list with the hope of him leading the team to a deep postseason run. Health is an issue, as King has made only 11 starts in 2025.
He has spent two stints on the IL with a pinched nerve in his right shoulder and knee inflammation. His last appearance on the mound was on Aug. 9 against the Boston Red Sox. During his scheduled throwing day, King experienced knee tightness when he tried to throw off the bullpen mound.
The Padres wasted little
time getting imaging on his knee to determine if there was any structural damage. Team doctors diagnosed King with knee inflammation, and rest was the only treatment option available to get him contributing to the Friars’ postseason push.
When healthy, there are few big league starters better than King. He is pitching to a 2.81 ERA in 57.2 innings pitched. The right-hander pushes his four-seam fastball across home plate with outstanding results. He has a 27.5% strikeout rate, while having an 8.1% walk rate this season. King’s sinker and changeup have induced opposing hitters to hit a groundball at a 38.3% rate.
Tonight’s outing was an important first step in getting King back into a regular starting pitching routine before the regular season ends. He may not work deep, but the Padres would be ecstatic if he could throw five solid innings in his remaining starts.
Unfortunately, King has only three or four starts remaining to get his pitching repertoire up to speed for the postseason. The goal is for him to start in Game One. King has playoff success (2-0 with a 3.21 ERA) that makes him a valuable arm for the Friars in October.
This season was supposed to be a pivotal year in King’s seven-year MLB career. He was ready to showcase his value as a starting pitcher, as King was embarking into free agency for the first time. A nightmarish season has dimmed visions of signing a six-figure contract.
It might be best for King to finish the year (regular season and postseason) strong and exercise the mutual option with the Friars for 2026. Having a deal in place will give him time to get healthy and re-establish himself as the most coveted starting pitcher in the next free agent class.
Health issues have interrupted a potential breakout season. The return of King to the starting rotation allows the Padres to make a deep postseason run. And it would provide a nice finish to a frustrating year.
